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Amazon Prime makes it too easy. In two days, I can have just about anything I want delivered to my doorstep. Add Alexa to the mix, and all I have to do is make a request from across the room and she places the order for me.

To be honest, I’ve been on a mini-spending spree lately. There’s something about planning for a vacation that transforms my normally frugal self into a zealous shopper.

Some expenses can’t be avoided . . .like the airline ticket, lodging, and the dog-sitter. But the travel wardrobe is my downfall.

With limited suitcase space, I’m trying to put together a collection of clothing and shoes that is color-coordinated so I can “mix and match.” Then there’s the fact that some of my warm-weather clothes mysteriously shrunk during their winter hibernation . . .hmmm.

Bottom line, it’s easy for me to justify my frequent online shopping trips.

But the “high” I feel from my short-term retail therapy always comes crashing down when I receive my credit card bill.

One morning, as I was reading in the book of Hebrews, I caught a glimpse of God’s perspective on finances.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

Wow. These words made me ponder not only my recent shopping habits, but the role of money in my overall life.

I asked myself:

“How much do I love money?”

“Do I rely on it (or the things it can buy) to be a major source of my happiness or status?”

“How often do I overspend, instead of being content with what I have?”

“How much do I base my long-term security on the dollar figure in my retirement account?”

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The truth is, I can’t rely on my credit cards, checking account, retirement savings, or even Social Security to bring me lasting happiness and financial stability. Any of these things can disappear.

But as Hebrews 13:5 reminds me, I can depend on God.

Maybe like me, you have previously heard (and even shared) the portion of the verse that says, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” But have you ever pondered what it means in the context of your relationship with money?

Here’s what that promise encompasses:
• He is always accessible. [1]
• He is infinitely able to supply our needs. [2]
• He is our source of true meaning and joy. [3]
• He is the only one who can make our lives secure. [4]

Because God is our ever-present, all-sufficient resource, we don’t need to let money worries rule our lives. As we practice responsible stewardship and place our trust in God, we can avoid the extremes of clinging too tightly to riches or overspending beyond our means. When it comes to finances, Hebrews 13:6a sums it up well:

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 13:6a

I’m going to remember that the next time I start fretting about my 401(k).

In the meantime, I’ve decided to spend more time conversing with Jesus and less with Alexa.

Related verses

[1] “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

[2] “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:16 (NIV)

[3] “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

[4] “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:2